Lycia, Turkiye Travel Guide

Discover the ancient wonders and stunning landscapes of Lycia, Turkiye, where history and nature blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable travel experience.

Located along the southwestern coast of Turkiye, Lycia is a fascinating blend of ancient history and natural beauty. This region is famed for its stunning landscapes, from turquoise waters and golden beaches to rugged mountains and lush valleys. The Lycian Way, a long-distance footpath, offers hikers an incredible journey through this breathtaking scenery, passing by ancient ruins and charming villages. Lycia is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, with some of the most notable being the cities of Xanthos, Patara, and Myra. These ancient cities offer a glimpse into the past with their well-preserved theaters, tombs, and temples. The rock-cut tombs of Myra are particularly impressive, showcasing the unique Lycian architecture. The coastal town of Kaş is a popular spot for visitors, known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant markets, and excellent diving opportunities. For a more tranquil experience, the tranquil beaches of Ölüdeniz and the secluded coves of the Turquoise Coast provide the perfect escape. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to relax, Lycia has something to offer everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lycia.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes if you plan to explore the Lycian Way.
Visit the ancient theater in Xanthos for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Try the local seafood in Kaş for an authentic taste of the region.
Book your diving tours in advance, especially during the peak season.
Carry plenty of water and sun protection when exploring ruins and hiking trails.
Visit Patara Beach at sunset for breathtaking views and fewer crowds.

Destinations in Lycia

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Saklikent Gorge

Lycian Way

Kemer

Kas

Explore Lycia: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Lycia

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Myra Ancient City

Discover the ancient allure of Myra, where history and breathtaking landscapes intertwine in the heart of Antalya, Turkey.

4.7

Amyntas Rock Tombs

Explore the Amyntas Rock Tombs in Fethiye, Turkey—an iconic historical site offering breathtaking views and insights into ancient Lycian culture.

4.5

Tlos Ruins

Discover the Tlos Ruins, a historical gem in Fethiye, where ancient Lycian culture meets breathtaking landscapes.

4.6

Gelidonya Lighthouse

Discover the stunning Gelidonya Lighthouse along the Lycian Way, a perfect blend of history, nature, and breathtaking coastal views.

4.7

Best landmarks in Lycia

Top-rated picks

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Phaselis Ancient City

Uncover the ancient wonders of Phaselis, a stunning historical landmark in Antalya that offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience.

4.7

Myra Ancient City

Explore the ancient ruins of Myra, where history and breathtaking landscapes converge in the heart of Antalya's coastal beauty.

4.7

Amyntas Rock Tombs

Explore the breathtaking Amyntas Rock Tombs, a historical treasure of ancient Lycia, offering stunning views and rich cultural heritage in Fethiye, Turkey.

4.5

Lycian Way

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Lycian Way, a stunning hiking trail along Turkey's southwestern coast.

4.8

Best restaurants in Lycia

Top-rated picks

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7 Mehmet

Experience authentic Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine at 7 Mehmet, Antalya's premier fine dining destination.

4.2

Deraliye

Discover authentic Turkish flavors at Deraliye, where tradition meets culinary excellence in the heart of Istanbul.

4.7

360 Panorama Restaurant

Savor authentic Turkish cuisine while enjoying stunning panoramic views of Istanbul at 360 Panorama Restaurant.

4.6

Vahap Usta Et Restaurant

Discover authentic Turkish meat dishes at Vahap Usta Et Restaurant in Antalya - where every bite tells a story.

4.4

Best bars in Lycia

Top-rated picks

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360 Istanbul

Discover 360 Istanbul, where breathtaking views, vibrant atmosphere, and exquisite Turkish cuisine come together for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.0

U2 Istanbul Irish Pub

Discover the lively atmosphere of U2 Istanbul Irish Pub, where authentic Irish cuisine meets live music in the heart of Istanbul.

4.7

Ritim

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul at Ritim, a premier bar and nightclub in Beyoğlu, offering great drinks and a lively atmosphere.

4.4

Karma Restaurant & Night Club

Experience culinary excellence and vibrant nightlife at Karma Restaurant & Night Club in Side, a top destination for food and fun.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Lycia

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Ritim

Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Ritim Night Club in Beyoğlu, İstanbul, where electrifying music and delicious drinks await every night.

4.4

AURA CLUB KEMER

AURA CLUB KEMER: Dive into Kemer's electrifying nightlife with top-tier music, dancing, and unforgettable entertainment experiences.

3.7

GAGA CLUB

GAGA Club in Antalya: The ultimate nightlife destination with vibrant music, electrifying ambiance, and unforgettable dance experiences.

3.8

Love Dance Point

Dance the night away at Love Dance Point, Istanbul's premier night club, where vibrant music and an inclusive atmosphere create unforgettable memories.

3.5

Best shops in Lycia

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MarkAntalya Mall

Experience the ultimate shopping and dining adventure at MarkAntalya Mall, where style meets entertainment in the heart of Antalya.

4.3

Venezia Mega Outlet

Discover the vibrant Venezia Mega Outlet in Istanbul, where shopping meets leisure in a charming atmosphere filled with top brands and delightful dining options.

4.2

Nova Mall

Explore Nova Mall in Antalya for a unique shopping experience featuring diverse stores, delicious dining, and engaging entertainment.

4.4

Alara Grand Bazaar

Discover the vibrant Alara Grand Bazaar in Alanya, a bustling market full of local crafts, delicious food, and authentic cultural experiences.

4.1

Explore Lycia on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Lycia, mapped for you.

Lycia Essentials

Lycia is located in the southwestern region of Turkiye. The nearest international airport is Dalaman Airport, which is approximately 120 kilometers away from the heart of Lycia. From Dalaman, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use shuttle services to reach various towns in Lycia. Alternatively, Antalya Airport is another option, about 200 kilometers away, offering more international flight options. From Antalya, buses, taxis, and car rentals are available for your journey to Lycia.
Within Lycia, the main modes of transportation include buses, dolmuş (shared minibuses), taxis, and rental cars. Buses and dolmuş are the most economical and widely used options for traveling between towns and cities. Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive. For greater flexibility and the ability to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, renting a car is recommended. Make sure to have an international driver’s license if you plan to rent a car.
The official currency in Turkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger towns, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are available in major towns, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash when you have the opportunity. Currency exchange services are also available at airports, banks, and exchange offices.
Lycia is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's essential to take standard precautions. Avoid displaying valuables and remain vigilant in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. Certain neighborhoods in larger cities like Antalya may have higher crime rates, particularly at night. Always use reputable transportation services and stay in well-reviewed accommodations.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency medical services, fire, and police. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Major towns in Lycia have medical facilities and pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. For more severe medical issues, hospitals in Antalya or Fethiye are well-equipped.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. It's customary to cover your head and dress conservatively when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight nod of the head. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Lycia like a local, visit the local markets in towns such as Fethiye and Kas, where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional Turkish goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss exploring the ancient Lycian rock tombs and the ruins of Patara and Xanthos. For a unique experience, hike a section of the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail offering stunning coastal and mountain views.

When is the best time to visit Lycia?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Lycia

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Lycia. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloMerhaba
  [Mehr-hah-bah]
- GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
- YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
- NoHayır
  [Hah-yuhr]
- Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
- Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Teh-shek-kur ed-er-im]
- Excuse me/SorryAffedersiniz
  [Af-feh-der-sin-iz]
- How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Nah-suhl-sin-iz]
- Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Yah seez?]
- Do you speak English?İngilizce biliyor musunuz?
  [Eeng-il-eed-zhe bee-lee-yor moo-sun-uz]
- I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-lah-muh-yor-um]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum lütfen
  [Meh-new-yoo goer-mehk ees-tee-yor-um loot-fen]
- I don't eat meatEt yemiyorum
  [Et yeh-mee-yor-um]
- Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-reh-feh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum lütfen
  [Oh-deh-mehk ees-tee-yor-um loot-fen]
- Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yahr-duhm eh-deen!]
- Go away!Defol!
  [Deh-fohl!]
- Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Poh-lee-see ah-rah-yin!]
- Call a doctor!Bir doktor çağırın!
  [Beer dok-tor chah-uh-rin!]
- I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-dum]
- I'm illHastayım
  [Has-tah-yuhm]
- I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sah-tuhn ahl-mahk ees-tee-yor-um]
- I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-jeh bah-kee-yor-um]
- How much is it?Bu ne kadar?
  [Boo neh kah-dahr?]
- That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chohk pah-hah-luh]
- Can you lower the price?Fiyatı düşürebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yah-tuh doo-sheh-reh-beel-eer mee-sin-iz]
- What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sah-at kahch?]
- It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sah-at beer]
- Half past (10)Yarım on
  [Yah-rum on]
- MorningSabah
  [Sah-bah]
- AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [Uhr-lay-den sohn-rah]
- EveningAkşam
  [Ahk-shahm]
- YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
- TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
- TomorrowYarın
  [Yah-ruhn]
- 1Bir
  [Beer]
- 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
- 3Üç
  [Ooch]
- 4Dört
  [Dohrt]
- 5Beş
  [Besh]
- 6Altı
  [Ahl-tuh]
- 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
- 8Sekiz
  [Seh-keez]
- 9Dokuz
  [Doh-kooz]
- 10On
  [On]
- Where's a/the...?Nerede bir ...?
  [Neh-reh-deh beer ...?]
- What's the address?Adres ne?
  [Ah-dress neh?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Haritada gösterebilir misiniz?
  [Hah-ree-tah-dah goh-steh-reh-beel-eer mee-sin-iz]
- When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Sohr-rah-kee (o-toh-bus) neh zah-mahn?]
- A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....)
  [Beer bee-let (....)]

History of Lycia

Lycia, located in the southwestern region of modern-day Turkiye, was historically a federation of fiercely independent city-states. This distinctive political structure set Lycia apart from other ancient civilizations. The Lycian League, one of the earliest known democratic federations, allowed cities like Xanthos, Patara, and Myra to govern themselves while still cooperating on matters of common interest.
Around 546 BCE, Lycia came under the control of the Persian Empire during the reign of Cyrus the Great. Despite being a part of the empire, the Lycian cities retained a degree of autonomy. Persian influence can be seen in various archaeological sites across Lycia, including rock-cut tombs and inscriptions that reflect a blend of Lycian and Persian artistic styles.
In 333 BCE, Alexander the Great's campaign brought him to Lycia. The Lycians, recognizing the might of Alexander's forces, surrendered without much resistance. This period marked the beginning of Hellenistic influence in the region, which is evident in the architectural and cultural transformations that occurred in Lycian cities.
Following the defeat of the Seleucid Empire, Lycia became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BCE. Under Roman rule, Lycia thrived as a prosperous province. The Romans built roads, aqueducts, and public baths, many of which can still be seen today. Patara, in particular, became an important Roman naval base and a major center of commerce.
Lycia played a significant role in the early spread of Christianity. Saint Nicholas, who would later become known as Santa Claus, was the bishop of Myra in the 4th century CE. The ancient city of Myra, with its well-preserved church and rock-cut tombs, remains a significant pilgrimage site for Christians around the world.
During the Byzantine period, Lycia continued to be an important region. The construction of churches and monasteries flourished, and the area became a center of Christian learning and culture. The remains of Byzantine architecture, including the church at Andriake and the fortifications at Arycanda, provide a glimpse into this era.
Lycia's importance began to wane during the early medieval period. A combination of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, and the changing political landscape led to the decline and eventual abandonment of many Lycian cities. By the time of the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, the once-thriving cities had largely fallen into ruin.